Question about Brake upgrade for heavy loads

Hello,

I am currently making my build list for my Tundra and am trying to figure out the brake system. I have heard that big brake kit is a great replacement from the OEM for carrying heavy loads. I have been looking at Rotora for example along these lines. However, I have 17” wheels and I have read that most big brake kits won’t work with that, except Wilwood (which I don’t think it’s even a big brake kit). So, my question is should I invest in 18” wheels to go with the big brake system or is Wilwood’s just as good? What does your experience and knowledge have to say? Thanks.

 

Check out Alcon, can't get better that I know of.

 

Only brake upgrades I'm aware of for the 3rd gens that have clearance for 17" wheels are Wilwood and Alcon. Both are 6-piston calipers so they'd offer improved braking. Alcons are the better of the two and are even used on trophy truck applications. Wilwoods should suffice for most who aren't racing or driving fast in the dirt with a lot of added weight and heavy tires. They're also a lot cheaper and look more custom, if that matters to you. The 17" wheels is your limiting factor as you won't be able to stuff significantly larger rotors inside the barrel. Larger diameter rotors = larger caliper and pads = more surface area to grab.

 

@romanlegion

 

understood. I went on Alcon’s website and it shows the brake kit only for the front. I was hoping to get rears as well or is that not as big of a deal? Obviously the front is going to be far more important when stopping a lot of weight but I was hoping to match the front and back

 

I’ve been looking for aftermarket brakes as well but want them to match as well.
Nobody makes a rear as of now.
Wilwood suggested I check back in June. I don’t know if that was a hint or not that a rear is coming.

 

Rotora makes front and rear but it requires at least 18” wheels.

 

Incorrect. I have Rotoras on mine. Running a set of ICON Recon 17X8.5 +0 offset wrapped in 37X12.50R17 Venom Power Swampthing A/T tires.

 

How much clearance is there between the caliper and barrel? I'm curious if there's enough space to place balancing weights directly behind the caliper if needed. With the stock brakes, I have 1-2mm clearance from the barrel so the weights need to be strategically placed in/outboard which isn't ideal for balancing. Curious of the clearance of the Wilwood and Alcon kit as well.

 

I have a set of Rotora front (6 piston) and rear (4 piston). Call them and ask for Loren. He'll take good care of you.

 

I stand corrected. Thank you!

 

Were these what you got? https://rogue-offroad.com/ROTORA-22-TUNDRA-BIG-BRAKE-KIT-HD-FRONT-REAR_p_21811.html

 

With 17" wheels, it really depends on the offset and concavity of the wheel design. You'll be able to stick weights behind the spokes if you're running a 0 offset concave wheel. There is less space or clearance behind spokes as you move towards positive offset territory. There is definitely no space between the wheel barrel and the caliper. I've taken my truck offroading several times and I've had zero issues with pebbles getting stuck in between the calipers and wheels...if that's a concern.

 

Yes sir. That is what I have.

 

Much thanks!

 

Any take aways or 2 cents on the Rotora brakes?

 

Do you know the rotor sizes?

 

Sorry sir. I have no idea what the rotor diameter is. Honestly, all that mattered to me was that they fit in 17” wheels and that they’re a massive improvement in performance over the stock brakes.

 

They’re a massive performance improvement over the stock brakes. Saved me twice already from getting into accidents with idiot drivers in Houston. The only downside is the pads generate a good amount of dust. Rotora does have a pad option with dust, but you do lose some braking performance. I say it’s worth the money if you care about performance and safety when you upgrade to bigger tires.

 

Thank you.
So is 17" a downsize or stock size?

 

Depending on model and trim, Gen 3 Tundras come stock with either 18s or 20s.

 

Alcon will make the rear for this gen as well im sure. I have the full front and rear Alcon kit. I had the fronts first to test it out before the rears and I can say adding the rears is a significant difference. Im also on a 17" wheel.

 

A brake kit fits 18" wheels for your consideration:
https://racingbrake.com/2318-k/